What is the best way to structure an exam essay question?

When writing an essay in an exam it is essential that the structure of your essay is clear and simple, allowing the examiner to easily understand your argument and recognise the evidence and analysis you have demonstrated. In order to ensure that your answer is well structured you must spend time planning and thinking about the structure of your essay before you begin writing it. Spend at least 5 minutes to draw up a plan of the structure of your essay.In general I would say that the best way to structure a history essay in an exam is: Introduction Clearly outline your argument and say how each paragraph will back up your argument. A great introduction will not only make it clear to the examiner what the essay is arguing but how you are going to back up your argument. For example: 'This essay will argue that... Paragraph 1 will demonstrate this by showing that...' Main body There is no set number of paragraphs that you should write. You should write a paragraph for each point of your argument. However, if you can only think of 1 or 2 points then it's not going to come across as a very strong answer. I'd always aim for 4 or 5 paragraphs. Use PEAL! Point - what are you arguing? Evidence - what facts or data can you use to support your argument? Analysis - how does this evidence support your point, what does it show? Link to question - how does this point relate to the main question? It is also good practice to try and prioritise your points/ factors in more depth - arguing that one is maybe more significant. You should also strive to make strong links between each of your factors, demonstrating how they compare or contrast to one another. This is helped by good planning. Conclusion Conclusions should aim to summarise what you have already said in the essay into one concise argument. It is also essential that your conclusion makes the same argument that you said you were making in your introduction. Don't suddenly introduce any new arguments that you have not already discussed in your conclusion. It is also important that you do not sit on the fence. Even if you think that there were several factors that were important, choose one that you will argue is the most important.A well structured essay should make your argument absolutely clear to the marker. Your argument should be consistent throughout your answer and clearly demonstrate your evidence and analysis that back up you argument.